Canada's Conservative government to ease gun laws

Priscilla de Villiers, whose daughter, Nina, was abducted and killed with a legally owned rifle, defended the long-gun registry.

"No law can prevent all tragedies. But a gun-control law, which includes registration and is rigorously implemented, makes it harder - not easier - for dangerous people to get firearms," she said.

The new bill will repeal the requirement to register rifles and shotguns, and calls for the destruction of all records pertaining to the registration of long guns currently contained in the Canadian Firearms Registry.

Hoeppner said those who wish to acquire a firearm or ammunition will continue to be required to pass a police background check, firearms safety course and comply with all firearms safe storage and transportation requirements.

She said firearm owners will also be still be required to have a valid firearms license and will still have to register handguns.